PADI programs globally are certified as compliant with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards for Recreational Diving Services. This provides all PADI Members and divers world-wide with the added benefits of international recognition by a global, independent, quality standards-setting body, with a reach surpassing even that of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). That’s why you now see an ISO equivalent note on the corresponding PADI certification cards.
PADI Retail and Resort Association members can leverage this recognition by promoting their status as ISO Recreational Scuba Diving Service Providers. As a PADI Retail and Resort Association member, you can automatically claim to meet the requirements the Service Provider standard. Simply following PADI standards will automatically cover 95% of the ISO requirements for this level, there are just a few extra steps you should take to ensure you comply completely. Most likely, these are things that you will be doing already – they are all good business practices, after all – but be sure to somehow document the fact that you do them:
- Ensure you have a comprehensive Customer Service Statement, outlining all fees, obligations on both sides, and that the centre reviews all divers’ qualifications and experience before deciding on appropriate dive activities.
- Conduct a risk assessment before every dive, and have an emergency action plan for every dive site you visit
- Keep a record of all staff qualifications and duties, and ensure you have a current PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor or higher on staff to oversee any diver training
- Keep a full register of equipment maintenance and rental records
- Make sure a current PADI Divemaster or higher is in control of all organized dives, with the appropriate additional training for any specialized dive activity.
For more detailed information, or specific questions regarding the ISO standards for service providers, contact your PADI Regional Manager, or the PRRA department at your PADI Office. If you wish to obtain a copy of the relevant ISO standard you can do so from your national standardisation body. The title is “Recreational Diving Services – Requirements for recreational scuba diving service providers†and the standard number is IS0 24803.